NBA mock draft volume 3

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With rumors rampant about potential changes in the draft order, it has become clear again that the draft on Thursday does not offer the can’t-miss, no-brainer selections at the top of the first round. The abundance of rumors also confirms that it is less than a week from the draft.

For the Rockets, the challenges faced by those picking when the night begins are likely to remain someone else’s problems. For them, having many worthy options when they pick – with the 34th selection – can be considered a good thing.

Rockets executive vice president Gersson Rosas said the last 10 picks of the first round and first 10 of the second are similar in talent level. He added that there is an unusual abundance of international prospects, something that could come in handy if the Rockets move into the first round and choose to keep a player overseas rather than spend some of their cap room.

Either way, after things shake out on top, there seems to be talent to be had in the picks to follow.

1…….Cleveland…..Nerlens Noel…….C…….Kentucky
There has been some chatter about Alex Len moving up and the Cavs looking to move the pick, but Noel remains the best bet.

2…Orlando…….Ben McLemore….G…..Kansas
After looking at many options, including trades, the Magic will grab the best player available.

3….Washington……Otto Porter….SF……Georgetown
When the local talent also fits a need, it makes too much sense to complicate things.

4. ….Charlotte……. Alex Len….C……Maryland
The stress fracture that kept Len from workouts complicates things, but he remains a solid top five choice. Anthony Bennett could climb.

5….Phoenix…..Victor Oladipo……SG……..Indiana
Another solid need pick for a team heavy with young power forwards and lacking in his strengths.

6…… New Orleans….Trey Burke….PG…..Michigan
Anthony Bennett is possible, but Bennett is too much of a duplication of Anthony Davis and Burke is Dell Demps’ kind of prospect.

7. ….Sacramento….. Anthony Bennett…..PF……UNLV
Bennett could go earlier, but should slip no further, offering star potential if the Kings just start over.

8….Detroit….. C.J. McCollum……PG….Lehigh
The Pistons will likely choose between point guards with McCollum moving up through strong workouts.

9…..Minnesota…. Shabazz Muhammad….SF…..UCLA
Muhammad has inspired more varied opinions than anyone in the draft, but has outstanding upside and plays a position of need for Minnesota.

10……Portland….. Cody Zeller…. C…..Indiana
Zeller has built momentum through the process, moving up as the top center in the workouts.

11. ….Philadelphia….. Steven Adams…C…..Pittsburgh
Adams has been moving up and Sam Hinkie would be happy to be patient in exchange for Adams’ long-term upside.

12….Oklahoma City…… Michael Carter-Williams…..PG…..Syracuse
Carter-Williams could catch an eye in the top 10, but would be a solid pickup from the draft pick of the James Harden trade.

13……Dallas………Sergey Karasev….SF…..Triumph Moscow
The Mavericks would be fine with waiting for Karasev to reach his long-term upside potential if they don’t deal the pick.

14. Utah….. Shane Larkin….PG…..Miami
The Jazz are likely to take a point guard with one of their picks and Larkin has done well through the workouts.